The current caretaker has consistently shied away from discussing his suitability for a permanent role, and those close to Stockdale have questioned whether he actually wants to take over as manager. Given he will be leading the club in tomorrow’s game with Millwall though, such an eventuality cannot be ruled out.

Football is littered with examples of caretakers being shuffled into a full-time role, and Sunderland have recent experience of making such a move. Ricky Sbragia was supposed to be a short-term appointment after Roy Keane left, but ended up being offered a permanent position a month-or-so later. He eventually stood down five months later after securing Premier League survival.Could a similar thing happen with Stockdale? It is not out of the question, although much will depend on how Sunderland perform in tomorrow’s game with Millwall, and potentially also Tuesday’s visit to Aston Villa. End the home hoodoo tomorrow, and Stockdale might suddenly look a much more desirable option.The 37-year-old has some frontline experience, having led Sunderland in last season’s Checkatrade Trophy, and has earned respect for his work as a coach since stepping up to the Black Cats’ senior group.He would be the cheapest option available to Bain, but should his complete lack of managerial experience in the Championship rule him out of the running? Also, would he be strong enough to deal with the powerful characters within the Sunderland dressing room, or possess a big enough personality to transform the prevailing mood at the Stadium of Light?